We’ll Use Sports Projects To Reach More Young People, Says Giants Of Africa

Giants of Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young people through sport with the unveiling of a newly renovated basketball court at King’s College, Lagos.

The organisation said it would continue to leverage competitions, tournaments and training clinics to engage and inspire more young people across Africa.

The unveiling forms part of Giants of Africa’s broader vision of uplifting African youth through programmes centred on leadership, empowerment and personal development. At the heart of this mission is its ambitious 100-court initiative, through which the organisation has already delivered 50 basketball courts across 16 African countries.

Co-founder of Giants of Africa, Masai Ujiri, described the commissioning of the 50th court as a significant milestone that symbolises not only the organisation’s growth but also the rising influence of sport, entertainment and the creative industry across the continent.

Ujiri said the achievement reflects the immense potential and talent evident among young Africans.

“This milestone is a source of pride for our young people and everyone who has been part of this journey,” he said. “The talent of our children is everywhere, and we must continue to create opportunities for them to thrive.”

He noted that the organisation’s progress had inspired similar projects beyond Nigeria, with more stakeholders embracing the idea of building basketball facilities across Africa. Ujiri also acknowledged the support and visibility generated through collaboration with the NBA, revealing that 10 of the existing Giants of Africa courts are located in Nigeria, with plans for further expansion.

Speaking on the newly renovated King’s College facility, Ujiri said the project represents more than infrastructure development, highlighting the role of partnerships in expanding opportunities for young people. He pointed to the court’s blue and Dallas Mavericks-themed colours as evidence of how partners are helping to leave a lasting footprint on the continent.

According to him, the court was intentionally designed to serve not only students of King’s College but also the wider community, following the same model adopted in facilities established in Ilupeju and other locations.

“This is our template,” Ujiri explained. “We want these projects to go beyond a small group of young people. Through competitions, tournaments and clinics, we can reach many more youths and create opportunities for growth and development.”

He also commended Weber, the court’s builder, describing him as a former basketball player and engineer who transformed his passion into a thriving business. Ujiri stressed that sport should not be viewed solely as recreation or elite competition but as an industry capable of creating careers and economic opportunities.

He emphasised that young people do not necessarily need to become NBA or WNBA stars to succeed in sport. Rather, he said, the sports ecosystem offers diverse professional pathways through which they can excel and make meaningful contributions.

The Principal of King’s College Lagos, Mr Magaji Zachariah, praised the initiative, describing the facility as a product of generosity and genuine commitment to youth development.

He said the court represents far more than a playing surface.

“This basketball court is a classroom without walls,” Zachariah said. “Here, our students will learn discipline, resilience, teamwork and sportsmanship. They will learn to win with humility and lose with grace.”

Similarly, President of the King’s College Old Boys Association North America (KCOBANA), Dr Val Odife, expressed appreciation to Giants of Africa and Ujiri for bringing the project to Lagos. He described the facility as transformational and a lasting legacy that would help shape young lives beyond the classroom.

Odife said the court would serve as an enduring investment in the future of students and the surrounding community, reinforcing the power of sport as a tool for education, inclusion and social development.